Islamic Architecture and Structures

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Islamic architecture is comprised of four main types of structures historically that have been dominant throughout its history. It looks at how these four types of structures include the mosque, fort, palace and tomb, all of which have undergone changes in architectural style, but that remained uniquely Islamic because of the symbolic importance that the Islamic people placed on elements of these structures. Noted architecture includes the Ka'ba, Taj Mahal and the Alhambra.

From the Paper:

"The Ka'ba is considered to be the first true Islamic structure and it is identified as such in the Qu'ran ("Ka'ba"). The Ka'ba was erected in Mecca after Muhammed successfully gained control of the city. It was built expressly for prayer and is believed to be one place on earth in which every soul that enters it knows safety through God's presence. Muhammed dedicated the structure to Islam; however, it contained evidence of the most critical figures of the history of the time ("Ka'ba"). These figures were Jesus, Mary and Abraham. It was not until centuries later that the use of earthly forms would be forbideen in Islamic structures because of the belief that these structures were rerpresentative of God, not man. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ahmed, A. Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society. London: Rooutledge, 2002.
• Bucknall, Benjamin. Discourses in Architecture. New York: Grove, 1959.
• Hamlin, Talbot. Architecture Through the Ages. New York: G.P. Putnam and Sons, 1940.
• "Ka'ba". Enclyclopedia of the Orient. 2 December 2006. < http://lexicorient.com/e.o/kaaba.htm>
• Palaces. San Francisco Unified School District. 2 December 2006. < http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Architecture/Architecture_Palaces_2.html>

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